Pneumatised!

An ever-changing life inspired by the pneuma

2007/02/12

Gym and do jang days

Filed under: Cass' training blog - martial arts, weights, running — feyMorgaina @ 14:55

Last Tuesday and Thursday, I went to the do jang in the afternoon. I get a good workout on my own. I find it helps to go there when there’s no one there to distract me. I can focus on what I need to do and work on most.

After the do jang on Thursday, I went to the gym for some much needed weight training.

COMPLETE LIST OF WEIGHT TRAINING EXERCISES:
Machine/apparatus Exercises:
Leg lifts
Pull-ups/chin-ups
-military
-parallel
Dips
Leg press
Hamstring flexor/seated leg curls
Hip adductors
Hip abductors
Seated row
Seated chest press
Lateral pull-downs
Pectoral fly (sometimes done using free weights)
Shoulder fly
Shoulder lift/press
Back extensor
Tricep extensor
Bicep curls (usually done using free weights now)
Weighted squat machine

Free weights:
Two additional shoulder exercises
– lift weight in front using shoulder muscles
– bending at waist lift weight out to the side using muscles along the scapulae
– wrist strengthening

Other exercises:
Pushups
Situps
Cycling (7 minutes, had just enough time to do some cardio as I had to leave to meet Nathan)
Elliptical

BB,
Cassandrah
Brigid’s Flame

2007/02/02

Do jang day and gym days – January 27 and 31, 2007

Filed under: Cass' training blog - martial arts, weights, running — feyMorgaina @ 15:06

Saturday, January 27, 2007

I went to the do jang to help out with the colour belt test. After, we had a black belt meeting, then I headed to the gym for a workout.

COMPLETE LIST OF WEIGHT TRAINING EXERCISES:
Machine/apparatus Exercises:
Leg lifts
Pull-ups/chin-ups
-military
-parallel
Dips
Leg press
Hamstring flexor/seated leg curls (machine was broken 🙁 )
Hip adductors
Hip abductors
Seated row
Seated chest press
Lateral pull-downs
Pectoral fly (sometimes done using free weights)
Shoulder fly
Shoulder lift/press
Back extensor
Tricep extensor
Bicep curls (usually done using free weights now)
Weighted squat machine

Free weights:
Two additional shoulder exercises
– lift weight in front using shoulder muscles
– bending at waist lift weight out to the side using muscles along the scapulae
– wrist strengthening

Other exercises:
Pushups
Situps
Cycling (20 minutes)
Elliptical

I did some stretching and decided to leave the pushups for home. My arms were considerably worked out. I did some candle begi at home earlier in the week, something I hadn’t done for a while since I stopped taking gumdo class (I’ve just been too busy, and the gumdo horse stance aggravates my previous knee injury). Glad to say that I was able to snuff out one candle, then two. 😀 I will have to do candle begi every so often. It is remarkably good for helping me to calm my mind.

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

I went to the gym for a short workout.

COMPLETE LIST OF WEIGHT TRAINING EXERCISES:
Machine/apparatus Exercises:
Leg lifts
Pull-ups/chin-ups
-military
-parallel
Dips
Leg press
Hamstring flexor/seated leg curls
Hip adductors
Hip abductors
Seated row
Seated chest press
Lateral pull-downs
Pectoral fly (sometimes done using free weights)
Shoulder fly
Shoulder lift/press
Back extensor
Tricep extensor
Bicep curls (usually done using free weights now)
Weighted squat machine

Free weights:
Two additional shoulder exercises
– lift weight in front using shoulder muscles
– bending at waist lift weight out to the side using muscles along the scapulae
– wrist strengthening

Other exercises:
Pushups
Situps
Cycling (5 minutes)
Elliptical

The gym was closing so I didn’t have time for much cardio. I tried out one of the newer bicycles though.

BB,
Cassandrah
Brigid’s Flame

2007/01/18

Do jang and gym day – January 17, 2007

Filed under: Cass' training blog - martial arts, weights, running — feyMorgaina @ 14:57

Finally, I had a chance to go to the do jang for an evening class yesterday night. I was pleasantly surprised by class as we did some conditioning type training instead of just focus pad kicking. I’ve been getting bored from just focus pad training, so it’s nice when classes change up a bit. I’m hoping this will happen more often. It’s good to do different things in class – keeps everyone on their toes (figuratively and literally).

After the taekwondo class, I went to the gym for some weight training and a little bit of cardio. I started with 10 minutes of cycling, then did some weight training.

COMPLETE LIST OF WEIGHT TRAINING EXERCISES:
Machine/apparatus Exercises:
Leg lifts
Pull-ups/chin-ups
-military
-parallel
Dips
Leg press
Hamstring flexor/seated leg curls (machine was broken 🙁 )
Hip adductors
Hip abductors
Seated row
Seated chest press
Lateral pull-downs
Pectoral fly (sometimes done using free weights)
Shoulder fly
Shoulder lift/press
Back extensor
Tricep extensor
Bicep curls (usually done using free weights now)
Weighted squat machine

Free weights:
Two additional shoulder exercises
– lift weight in front using shoulder muscles
– bending at waist lift weight out to the side using muscles along the scapulae
– wrist strengthening

Other exercises:
Pushups
Situps
Cycling (10 minute warm-up)
Elliptical

After, I worked on some stretching. It’s been a while since I had a good full workout – I needed to stretch out my muscles again. My triceps and biceps were still sore since I did some push-ups and weights at home recently. With free weights, I can work on my biceps, triceps, and shoulder muscles at home.

Cassandrah
(in pursuit of healthy body, mind, and spirit)
Brigid’s Flame

2007/01/17

Happy January!

MM,

This year started out busy for me.

First, Nathan and I were treated to a visit from his brother. He came to stay with us during the New Year’s weekend. Thus, the last part of 2006 was spent showing our visitor around the city and taking him to a few places.

Public ritual on New Year’s Eve (yes, the WCC was open) was a Compitalia where we paid tribute to the Lares (sort of like Italian fairies) of our physical boundaries. We did this by having a pig roast, then leaving some of the food at the boundaries and doorways. A very simple ritual.

After the ritual on New Year’s Eve, Nathan, I and our visitor went to hang out at Tamarra’s place. She always holds a party on New Year’s Eve for the WCC community. This year was busier than in previous year’s, so we ended up leaving after the fireworks show. (Lucky us, we have a licensed pyrotechnic in the community who’s more than willing to display his talents. 🙂 ) Since Nathan’s brother had to leave in the early morning to get to the airport on time, we went back to the apartment early and toasted in the CST New Year. 😉

On New Year’s Day, Nathan and I had to go out for dim sum with my mother and family, pretty much a tradition in my family. Because of all the craziness during the holiday season, I ended up spending the first week of January resting and recuperating (puttered around the apartment, read, went walking around the city some more). It was fun though having a visitor to show around the city. (I probably should have been a tour guide.)

Public ritual on the 7th was a sort of meditation. Being Summoner, it was amusing watching everyone sprawled out on the temple floor half asleep. Haha… peace at last!

Last week, I went to my group ritual and the women’s group ritual on top of the public ritual. The group ritual was an interesting one to Janus. (I knew he’d show up sooner or later!) We tossed a coin to determine if we needed help from the past or the future for the upcoming year. I got tails (past), which means I need to look to the past to see what needs to be done. This sort of makes sense as there is so much I still need to finish. Hehe… I guess I laid a good foundation already, but I just need to keep building.

The women’s group ritual was a Trimestra ritual. It is one of a set of rituals that were written to correspond with each stage of pregnancy that a woman goes through. It is one of the major female rites of passage in the Odyssean tradition. It’s a lovely ritual – each time I see the ritual performed the energy is amazing. The mother-to-be always seems to sparkle and shine.

Public ritual on the 14th was another little meditation. We were given rocks in which to tell one secret, then we were to bury the rock as soon as possible. It was interesting. Being Summoner though, I didn’t really pay attention to the meditation. I did get rid of my rock though – buried it on my way home.

Yesterday I went out to the public class. It was a class on elements, and I thought to compare the notes I have with the class. This way I have an idea of what topics to teach for each class. Plus, it’s good to refresh my mind every so often. I need to sit down sometime and review the notes for all the classes (52 plus because some class topics don’t come around every year). I’ll probably end up typing up a whole set of teaching notes that are separate from the student notes I took.

I managed to make it into the do jang last Thursday in the early afternoon. It was nice to be able to just concentrate on some things that we don’t practice much in class. I worked on my stances and hand strikes, even my elbow strike. I worked on the form of my kicks and blocks. It felt good to be able to do that. I will be trying to get into the do jang in the afternoon more often this year. This will give me training time even if I can’t make it to the evening or weekend classes as much. I haven’t been running much – it’s been so busy, and so cold on the days I feel like running that there’s no motivation. Hopefully in the next month or so, I can get back into it. I haven’t been to the gym in a month. At the very least, I was able to do some push-ups and light weight training at home. Free weights are always handy. I hate missing the do jang and gym so much that sometimes I get up and do some things around the home.

I still need to set aside some time to review the stuff I have to teach for reiki. I have a teaching plan, but just haven’t gotten around to finishing my teaching notes yet. I’d like to read over my reiki manuals again before I start teaching. I also have to get some supplies. Hopefully, I can be set to teach before spring sets in.

BB,
Cassandrah
Brigid’s Flame

2006/12/14

Gym Day – December 13, 2006

Filed under: Cass' training blog - martial arts, weights, running — feyMorgaina @ 12:57

MM,

I went to the gym again, as I didn’t have time to make it to the do jang in time for class.

COMPLETE LIST OF WEIGHT TRAINING EXERCISES:
Machine/apparatus Exercises:
Leg lifts
Pull-ups/chin-ups
-military
-parallel
Dips
Leg press
Hamstring flexor/seated leg curls
Hip adductors
Hip abductors
Seated row
Seated chest press
Lateral pull-downs
Pectoral fly (sometimes done using free weights)
Shoulder fly
Shoulder lift/press
Back extensor
Tricep extensor
Bicep curls (usually done using free weights now)
Weighted squat machine (they got some new equipment; the new machine for this is not as good as the old one :()

Free weights:
Two additional shoulder exercises
– lift weight in front using shoulder muscles
– bending at waist lift weight out to the side using muscles along the scapulae
– wrist strengthening

Other exercises:
Pushups
Situps
Cycling
Elliptical (Since I didn’t go for a run, I decided to do ten minutes on the elliptical before my weight training exercises to warm up.)

BB,
Cassandrah
Brigid’s Flame

2006/12/12

Training Update – December 5 and 7, 2006

Filed under: Cass' training blog - martial arts, weights, running — feyMorgaina @ 19:02

December 5, 2006

I went to the do jang for class at seven.

December 7, 2006

I went to the gym with Nathan. I’ve highlighted the exercises I did in bold.

COMPLETE LIST OF WEIGHT TRAINING EXERCISES:
Machine/apparatus Exercises:
Leg lifts
Pull-ups/chin-ups
-military
-parallel
Dips
Leg press (machine was broken, waiting for replacement parts)
Hamstring flexor/seated leg curls
Hip adductors
Hip abductors
Seated row
Seated chest press
Lateral pull-downs
Pectoral fly (sometimes done using free weights)
Shoulder fly
Shoulder lift/press
Back extensor
Tricep extensor
Bicep curls (usually done using free weights now)
Weighted squat machine

Free weights:
Two additional shoulder exercises
– lift weight in front using shoulder muscles
– bending at waist lift weight out to the side using muscles along the scapulae
– wrist strengthening

Other exercises:
Pushups
Situps
Cycling

BB,
Cassandrah
Brigid’s Flame

2006/12/11

Traditional Korean Martial Arts Training

Filed under: Cass' training blog - martial arts, weights, running — feyMorgaina @ 20:46


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3UWA-yRYn4

I wonder how many laps he had to run on his hands?

In case anyone is wondering, striking a tree is less forgiving than striking a human body. The purpose of repeatedly striking a tree is to toughen up the hands (and the feet).

BB,
Cassandrah

Before There was Taekwondo… Taek Kyun!

Filed under: Cass' training blog - martial arts, weights, running — feyMorgaina @ 20:16

MM,

Taek kyun was the forerunner to taekwondo. I did not think it was still being taught until a martial arts friend of mine sent me links to the below videos. Watching you can see where taekwondo got its kicks and moves from. However, watching these videos I can see how far taekwondo is from its roots. These martial artists effectively combine hand and feet techniques, not just strikes but grappling and throws. Also amazing to me was the smooth and grace with which they move. They have the smoothness of those old tai chi Masters and the grace of dancers (hence the comparison by some to capoeira).


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrdHrNiJ5Ls


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVt-300BMmo

Hope you enjoyed the videos.

BB,
Cassandrah
Your local black belt
Brigid’s Flame

2006/12/01

Training update – November 27 to 30, 2006

Filed under: Cass' training blog - martial arts, weights, running — feyMorgaina @ 20:11

November 27, 2006

Monday, I went to the gym. It has been a while since I had some good weight training so I went mostly for that. Of course, it’s best to take it easy the first time back after a while so I took it easy and tried not to do too many reps or too heavy weights.

Leg lifts
Pull-ups (aka chin-ups, military and parallel)
Dips
Leg press
Hamstring flexor (called seated leg curls)
Hip adductors
Hip abductors
Seated row
Seated chest press
Shoulder fly
Shoulder lift (this is called the shoulder press)
Weighted squats

Free weights:
Situps (on a incline bench; worked out the obliques as well by doing double punches during the situp)
Bicep curls

November 29, 2006

Wednesday, I went to the do jang and the gym after. (Tuesday I had to watch some movies and return them, so I had a day off.) The taekwondo class was good. Two weeks and I start to miss it. I still have to motivate myself to go in the afternoon and work on my own. When I left the do jang though, I asked my taekwondo Master if it was okay to come by the afternoons. He said it’s fine, anytime is good. 😀 He’s such a nice guy. Always smiling. It really is great to have a do jang where the Master treats you like family.

At the gym, I did more weight than I did last time. It occurs to me that it gets hard for me to remember exactly what I’ve done at the gym after a few days. I try to do enough exercises making sure to cover off all the muscles groups. Anyway, I think what I’ll do is list all the available exercises and then just mark done if I’ve done them. (Note: I avoid the quad extensor machine now because it aggravates the knee I had surgery on. Besides, cycling, the leg press and the weighted squats work the quads just as well.)

Complete list of weight training exercises
Machine/apparatus Exercises:
Leg lifts
Pull-ups/chin-ups – military and parallel
Dips
Leg press
Hamstring flexor/seated leg curls
Hip adductors
Hip abductors
Seated row
Seated chest press
Lateral pull-downs
Pectoral fly (sometimes done using free weights)
Shoulder fly
Shoulder lift/press
Back extensor
Tricep extensor
Bicep curls (usually done using free weights now)
Weighted squat machine

Free weights:
Two additional shoulder exercises
– lift weight in front using shoulder muscles
– bending at waist lift weight out to the side using muscles along the scapulae
– wrist strengthening

Other exercises:
Pushups
Situps
Cycling

I should note that some of the exercises listed are somewhat redundant. When feeling a little tired, those exercises can be skipped. These are the lateral pull-downs, the tricep extensor, and the bicep curls.

Wednesday, I did almost all the exercise except the lateral pull-downs, the tricep extensors, those listed under the free weights, pushups and cycling. Cycling I do occasionally like the running.

November 30, 2006

Thursday, I finally went for a run. It was over two weeks since I last ran. It turned out it was still raining when I headed out and I got a little soaked. It was hard to run in that weather – cold and wet. I ran a mile and a half. My time was 13 minutes 30 seconds, which I suppose is good considering I hadn’t run for over two weeks and I was running in cold and rain.

BB,
Cassandrah
Brigid’s Flame

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